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General Information   

Fleece must be checked in by 5 P.M. on THURSDAY or mailed in. Fleece judging begins at noon on Friday.

Check-out is February 15, 2009, at the conclusion of the show – approximately 3:00 P.M., on Sunday. All trailers entering the barn for loading are required to obtain a pass from the information desk. Fines will be imposed on trailers entering the barn prior to obtaining a release.

Stalls will be 10’ X 10’ accommodating 3-4 alpacas depending on age. Stall will have packed dirt floors with the possibility of shavings. Exhibitors may provide their own alternative floor covering. Stall space must be reserved for farm displays. City fire codes prohibit tables and/or chairs being placed in the aisles.

Veterinarian Services will be available for emergency situations only and expenses are the responsibility of the owner. Contact a core staff member for contact information.

Feed and Hay are the responsibility of the exhibitor, and is not available at the event.

Fans and extension cords are allowed. ALL EXTENSION CORDS MUST BE GFCI APPROVED. No exceptions.

Dogs or other pets are not allowed.

Trailer Parking is available at the Will Rogers Center. RV Parking, contact the event coordinators for details or call 817-877-2427.

*** Kids Club was awesome last year and returning this year in the MacFarland A Room, beginning Friday afternoon and running all weekend. This is a place for your kids to stay, play, watch movies, make crafts, and enjoy themselves! This is provided at NO CHARGE and is available only to SHOW PARTICIPANTS children.

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Check-in and Check out Procedure

You will enter from the side street and into the Barn #4 area that is on the south end of the arena.  In Barn #4 we will perform the Health Check, Color Check, and Registration.  On completion of this process you will obtain your entrance pass that will allow you to enter the barn with your trailer and animals.  Do not enter the barn as you have in the past.  Follow signs posted on the main entrance.  Check out can be obtained from the Show Office upon completion of the show and after the show office has verified all required documents were obtained and processed.  If you are arriving after 5 pm you will need to make arrangements and be aware you may be imposed a fee.


2009 Check-in at Barn 4 - Show Site Map ( jpg format )

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Health Requirements

Health Requirements will be checked upon arrival. 

All alpacas entered in or present at all AOBA Certified shows must be negative for BVDV by a PCR or VI lab test and said negative results shall be indicated on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)- Health Papers.  Bring a copy of your CVI for your Show Superintendent, as they are required to keep a copy. All alpacas entering the grounds must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days of the last day of the event and this certificate must have the alpaca’s name and matching microchip number.

All Alpacas attending the show, regardless of state of origin, 18 months and older must have TB & Brucellosis testing within the last 6 months, with the exception of geldings. Check with your veterinarian for Texas Health requirements or visit the website at www.tahc.state.tx.us. 

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Schedule of Events 2009 in Word format

Schedule of Events 2009 in PDF format

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TxOLAN Membership

TxOLAN is comprised of ranches from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.  Being a TxOLAN member entitles your ranch to discounts at the show, advertising on the website, a vote for the membership at the general meeting, and other membership rights.   Discounts are based on current membership for existing members and for new members it can either be on membership for the show year or by becoming a member in the current year by October 15th for early bird or December 31st for registration.  Opting to become a member for the show year of 2008 will not allow you to be listed on the website until after January 1st.  For more details contact Tom Kania at www.alpacagal@aol.com. 

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Early Bird

Early Bird is being offered to participants until the deadline set above (see index).  The Early Bird registration is for Stalls and/or Farm Displays only and allows the ranch to receive a discount for early registration.  Events and Show Entries will follow the normal deadline.  Early Bird discounts to TxOLAN members are based on 2009 memberships.

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Speakers

Jess Bowers

Jess Bowers Alpaca owner and breeder since 2002. I began working regularly with our farm veterinarian in 2003 to improve our parasite management program. On-farm fecal monitoring was instituted utilizing procedures outlined by Dr. William Foreyt (Veterinary Parasitology Manual), Dr. Norm Evans (Alpaca Field Manual) and many other sources. I have participated in parasitology, parasite management and fecal testing presentations from Dr. David Pugh, Ft. Dodge Pharmaceuticals, (3 presentations) Dr. Steve Purdy, UMASS (2 presentations) and Dr. Lisa Williamson, UGA. I am qualified in the use of the FAMACHA anemia guide. My fecal testing procedures are continually updated based on new findings from clinical studies.

"Fecal testing... The straight poop about parasite testing"
How to do your own fecal exams, lecture & lab
Presented by: Jess & Cookie Bowers - Acres of Love Alpaca Ranch
A comprehensive presentation including microscope & lab supplies required, collection of samples for testing, preparation & flotation of samples, identification and quantification of ova/oocysts, recording & tracking results, submitting samples to your lab for validation & working with your veterinarian.  Seminar participants may bring samples to process and examine during the session. Multiple handouts and a PowerPoint presentation is included and microscopic examination results are screen projected. Attendees who own a microscope are encouraged to bring it to the session.
 

Deb Hill

Deb Hill, Cloud Dancer Alpacas, has been raising alpacas in northern Arizona since 1996. With husband Don Sanfilippo, she runs a successful alpaca operation based on experience gained from decades in small business management and growing up on a farm. The result is a profitable venture with a small herd of 12-15 alpacas. Deb also serves on the ARI Board, is active in the Arizona affiliate, writes the business column for Alpacas Magazine, and teaches alpaca classes nationwide. Deb can be reached at clouddancer@infomagic.net or (928) 526-4363.

Creating a Breeding Program With Results: How to Get What You are Breeding For!  By Deb Hil Cloud Dancer Alpacas -“Eek! It’s a llama!” No offense intended to llama breeders, but if you were expecting a baby alpaca, this is not what you want to be thinking when the cria finally makes its appearance. Whether you are breeding for fine fiber, crimp, color, or conformation, a little information about basic genetics will help you achieve your goals. This class is geared for those who cannot remember their last science class, and we will have fun learning about genes, chromosomes, heritability, trait selection and breeding strategies.We will also cover the importance of breeding goals and how good record keeping can assist you to achieve your desired results.

Full Circle with Alpaca Fiber from G (Genetics) to R (Retailing)  By Deb Hill, Cloud Dancer Alpacas - It’s a fiber industry…isn’t it? That’s what we all say, but how many of us have focused on the great returns that are possible from using our fiber? If yours is still sitting in bags in the garage or spare bedroom, this is the class for you! In this full-day workshop you will learn how to:

Play with the Big Boys: Marketing Tips for Small Alpaca Operations  By Deb Hill  Cloud Dancer Alpacas - Unless you never want to sell a single alpaca, marketing is essential! Marketing tells your customers who you are, what you offer and why they want to do business with you. Good marketing attracts people who would otherwise not have become your customers. Poor marketing just costs you money without producing the desired results.  In this seminar you will learn:

Scott & Debbie Miller

Weaning is a process

Weaning... It's A Process, Not An Event is a discussion developed to increase awareness to the do's & don'ts of weaning the young alpaca. After making numerous mistakes themselves over the years & subsequently learning about the many mistakes other breeders were making, the Miller's have defined a gentle & comprehensive process for the separating of dam & cria. The process encourages the breeder to consider many aspects, while maintaining a focus on the young cria during this critical juncture. If you haven't defined your system for weaning or feel that your current system could use improvement, then this is a discussion you may want to visit. Weaning Seminar (3.4 MB) -Click here   

Brett Kaysen

EPD’s and their impact on Livestock Industries

Brett Keysen has been an influence in the Alpaca Community on many levels since 2001.  He has traveled coast-to-coast teaching seminars on alpacas consisting of classroom presentations as well as “hands on” workshops.  Brett also holds an instrumental position with the AOBA Judges Training Program where he teaches Oral Reasons and Conformation. Brett has a passion for educating, especially in the area of youth education.  He has taught the Nations youth about various livestock industries and has spent countless hours volunteering to educate youngsters involved in 4-H programs Nationwide.  Brett was raised East of Brighton, Colorado where he has always been involved with every aspect of raising livestock.  He earned a Bachelors degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University in 1997.  Brett continued his education at CSU earning a Masters Degree in Cooperative Extension and Education in 2003 and most recently, a PHD in Management Systems.  Brett currently holds a faculty position with CSU in the Department of Animal Sciences.

EPD’s and their impact on Livestock Industries. Featuring an in-depth discussion on the benefits of implementing this system in the Alpaca Industry. The roll of alpaca breeders is to improve the genetic quality of the breeding stock that they sell to other breeders.  Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s) have become a popular genetic improvement tool in recent years.  This presentation is intended to explain some important factors that must be considered when EPD’s are being used in a Sire selection program.

Rod Daken

What do we as processors want from the fiber producer.

Rod Daken President of Royal Fiber Spinnery, Inc.  I grew up in Boise River valley of Idaho.  Educated at Boise Junior College, Albertson’s College of Idaho and the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.  I spent a number of years working in the family owned and operated funeral home.  Following a stint at self employed farming moved to Washington where I built a computer service bureau doing real time bookkeeping in an era before the desktop computer and worked as an Artificial Inseminator for American Breeders Service, the world’s largest AI organization.  With the release of the personal computer I moved to Puyallup, Washington where I built a retail computer company that specialized in local area networks and accounting systems for small to medium sized businesses.  The computer hardware business got to be a real drag following the entry of the discount stores so the company was sold.  I moved to Long Beach, Washington where my wife and I owned and operated a Bed & Breakfast.  After 10 years in the B&B business and with the rapid growth of the Spinnery, we decided to sell the B&B and concentrate on the Spinning Mill.  With the sale of the B&B and having no ties to the Washington coast we relocated the business and our home to Ruidoso, NM.  I still am active in the computer business as a business consultant specializing in Fire Departments.  I was introduced to the Alpaca world by my sister who also lives in New Mexico.  I am interested in good books, and am an avid Kite Flyer.  I enjoy horseback riding and still hope to have a cattle ranch someday, although the more I get involved in the Alpaca world maybe that dream will be realized as an Alpaca Ranch.

What do we as processors want from the fiber producer.  To create a partnership of Growers/Ranchers who are committed to the development and sustainability of alpaca fiber processed in the USA.

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Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to volunteer for the show and they can be enjoyable and rewarding experiences.  TxOLAN takes great pride in their volunteers and last year started a reward program.  For anyone who volunteers a minimum of two hours of their time they will receive a recognition pin.  There are many volunteers position that are at the show and require only two hours of your time.  There are also Core Staff Positions that require you to be involved at some level prior to the show and/or for an extended amount of time.  Each Core Staff Position is a two-year commitment; the first year is as an apprentice and then the following year as the lead.  You can learn more about volunteer just a few of the positions by reading the brief description below, visiting with a person who has volunteered in years past, or by contacting the volunteer coordinator.

Event Coordinator – Responsible for coordinating and planning the event in all aspects and to perform the task as committee chair for all committees.  Reports to the TxOLAN Board on progress and performs the task of any volunteer that is absent.

Volunteer Coordinator – Organizes the volunteers and recruits volunteers.  Works with each core staff member to identify the number of volunteers they require to fulfill their task.

Registration Desk Administrator -  This individual is responsible for the registration desk, process of the check in, information desk throughout the show, check out process, and assisting the Event coordinator with getting the show moving.  

Show Superintendent – Ensures that the show is conducted in full accordance with the AOBA Show Division rules.  Responsible for the accuracy of the information and results of the halter and performance show entries.  Good organizations skills, experience with Excel and a complete understanding of the show rules will be very helpful.  Works very closely with the Event Coordinator.

Fleece Superintendent – Is responsible for organizing and coordinating the fleece portion of the show.  They work with the Show Superintendent to estimate number of ribbons for ordering, make sure the judging station is as requested by the judges, check in the fleece, and make sure that TxOLAN is following the AOBA rules on the fleece portion. Any fleece needing to be mailed back are handled by the Fleece Superintendent.

Spin-off Coordinator – This individual is responsible for coordinating the Handcrafter's Spin-off.  Receives entries from the Show Superintendent, weighs and bags entries in preparation for the judges.  Works with the judges to make sure that TxOLAN is following the AOBA rules on the Handcrafter's Spin-off portion.  When judging is complete, this coordinator collects information with spun entries and prepares them for display at the show.  Any skeins needing to be mailed back are handled by the Spin-off Coordinator.

Show Ring Administrator – This individual is responsible for coordinating and setting up the show ring and making sure that the positions are staffed.  They are second in command to the Show Superintendent and also responsible for getting the rings set up for obstacle and other performance classes.  They assist gatekeepers and ring stewards when required.

Gatekeepers – Are responsible for making sure everyone one is ready to enter the ring and in the appropriate order.

Ring Steward – Assist the judge in the ring, may be required to assist the handler in holding the animal and give them guidance in the ring standard.

Program Administrator – Gathers all the ads and information for the program and gets it to the printer.

Silent  and Live Auction Administrator –  This individual gathers donation items for the live and silent auction and works with the board to determine what is live auction versus silent.  They oversee the auction during the show and collections of the proceeds after.

Fashion Show Administrator -  Coordinates the fashion show.  Is responsible for gathering the items, models, setting up the stage, and running the fashion show.  Most models are acquired from farm members participating in the show or vendors.

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Sponsorship and Ad Opportunities

This year TxOLAN is offering the members and other breeders an opportunity to sponsor the show in several different ways.  Any of these options will also give the ranches marketing and advertising at the show and possibly throughout the year.  There will be three levels of Sponsorship: Gold, Silver and Bronze.  You will also have the opportunity to sponsor Color Classes, which include the Class, the Color Reserve, and the Color Champion.  You will be allowed to choose your color and gender preference and we will accommodate as best as we can.  Then there is the traditional program ad.  Please review the perks to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze and notice that these sponsorships are limited to six Bronze, four silver, and two Gold.  The Ad Deadline this year will be December 15th and all of these sponsorships will either have ads or be listed as sponsors in the program.  Therefore, the deadline for choosing your sponsorship is December 15th.  But opportunities are limited so don’t delay